Doula Training

Attends hospital births? All HospitalsAttends birth center births? All Birth CentersAttends home births? Any Home Birth

Childbirth Education Certifications

Have been teaching CBE for 8 years.

Breastfeeding Certifications

Taken a DONA approved workshop spicifically on Breastfeeding and have hands on experiance with my own children

Other Relevant Certifications

Neonatal Resuscitation Certified (American Academy of Pediatrics)

Specialized training or previous experience

Adoption

Cesarean birth

Clients on bed rest

Families conceiving with ART and IVF

High risk

Home Birth

Induced and high medical technology labor & birth

LGBTQP Families

Multiples

Over 40

Plus size mothers

Postpartum mood disorders

Prematurity

Relinquishing mothers

Single parents

Surrogacy

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse

Teens

Twins

VBAC

Waterbirth

Women and Families of Color

Special Services Offered

Abortion Support

Antepartum doula

Baby-led weaning

Babywearing education

Belly casting

Bereavement doula (pregnancy & infant loss)

Birth Pool rental

Childbirth Education Services

Cloth diapering education

Military famiies

Miscarriage Support (Before, During or After)

Mother blessing celebrations

Placenta encapsulation

Pregnancy, birth and/or newborn photography

Sibling support (for your older children at the birth)

Surrogates and intended parents

Relevant volunteer or advocacy work

I am a member of DONA &amp; CAPPA. I have taken Doula trainings though both organizations, not necessary but I wanted to get as much training under my belt as I could.I birth attendant with several area Midwives. I am also currently a Gestational Surrogate.
I also work with/member of Florida Le Leche League, On the Board of Directors of Get PUMPed, MOMS club, Central Florida Birth Network, Connected Mothering, Florida Friends of Midwives (Central Florida) and Several local area mothers support groups. I donate my time to local area families in need of Lactation support.

Languages spoken: English

Service Area Map

Area of practice: Casselberry, FLTravel Range: 35 MilesTravel comments/restrictions: anything over 30 miles 1 way I do request a travel fee of $50 to be added to delivery costs.

Client Testimonials for Heather Dunn

Mariana Vetere

Heather was my doula for my first child. I was present during my niece's birthday and that is when I met Heather, a year later it was my son's turn. She is an amazing person, always willing to answer any question and making sure she gives you all the different options with pros and cons. I planned for a birth center birth but unfortunately my water broke and 24 hours later my contractions where not progressing. Heather helped put to not worry on what hospital I needed to transfer too, She already had contacted the hospitals to know who was on call and who would be the best option. My son was born 39 hours later with natural birth. Me and my husband couldn't have done it with her great support.

Posted 3/30/2017

Aisha Bailey

Heather was my doula for my third baby girl born in October 2016. I didn't have a doula with my first two. I was induced and had an epidural with each and did not want that for this birth. My husband was unsure about why I wanted a doula this time, but during our first meeting with Heather he could see the benefits. She is so easy to talk to and was there whenever I needed her. When my doctor scheduled to induce me because I was 4 days past my due date, I was very unhappy. Heather gave me so much encouragement and reminded me that this was my body and told me my options if I did not want to be induced. When I began having contractions I was very nervous and anxious. This being the first time my body went into labor on its own, I was in constant contact with Heather about what was going on. She was so good at helping me to stay calm, reminding me to rest, eat, sleep. When I thought it was time to go the hospital at 3:30am on October 31st Heather came right over and confirmed it was time go! Heather made all the difference in this experience with her encouragement and calm manner. There came a point where I decided I wanted to have the epidural and Heather reminded me of my wishes and wanted to make sure that I would not regret having gotten it which meant so much to me. Heather's knowledge of the human body and experience was clear as she helped me breath through contractions and try different positions to help labor to progress. Due to baby moving out of position I had to have a c-section. She calmly explained all that was happening, which is the only reason I wasn't afraid when they rolled me to surgery. She came to the hospital to check on us and our our sweet baby girl, and came to visit us once we got home. She really cares about her clients and their baby's. No words could express how thankful we were to have her with us through this journey. She helped me to see strength in myself that I never knew I had and for that I will be forever grateful.

Posted 3/27/2017

Jennifer Vetere

Heather was my doula for my third child, first homebirth, in 2014, and I couldn't have been happier. Since the baby was a bit late (41 weeks), she would come over and help try and get the baby in a better position with some spinning babies maneuvers. She was by my side for most of the labor and provided invaluable support. Even though we're done with three children, I would recommend her as a doula to anyone.

Posted 3/24/2017

Amanda Self-Scheff

I used Heather for the birth of my second child and she is absolutely amazing. She was there with me through every single contraction. I would never have made it as long as I did without her there guiding me and encouraging me. She is worth her weight in gold. I unfortunately had to be transferred to the hospital and she was with me the entire time. She helped me understand and process all that was happening in ways I wouldn't have been able to. She would have gone in with me for my c-section but the hospital wouldn't allow it. I'm so glad I found her and I would recommend highly reccomend her.

Posted 2/15/2017

Amanda Self-Scheff

I used Heather for the birth of my second child and she is absolutely amazing. She was there with me through every single contraction. I would never have made it as long as I did without her there guiding me and encouraging me. She is worth her weight in gold. I unfortunately had to be transferred to the hospital and she was with me the entire time. She helped me understand and process all that was happening in ways I wouldn't have been able to. She would have gone in with me for my c-section but the hospital wouldn't allow it. I'm so glad I found her and I would recommend highly reccomend her.

Posted 2/15/2017

Ashley Moore

I was recommended Heather based upon friend recommendations of course, THE best thing to rely one as any mama knows. I used a different doula for my first pregnancy and wasn't happy with her services when it came time to the actual birth. Upon meeting Heather for the consultation, my husband and I both knew we "clicked" and wanted her for our doula. She was energetic yet focused, and funny. Also, very straightforward and honest.

From the time we started with Heather, and even now, I have used her for so many references, from chiropractor services to pediatrician experiences/questions. It's so nice that Heather has two children of her own, as that experience makes her know firsthand what birthing/postpartum is like.

Heather was an awesome coach during labor, and was such a nice prescence to have in the delivery room. She gave me confidence and helped support my husband when he needs it as well. She was so positive and knowledgeable regarding the hospital procedures, which is a priceless thing when you are having a hospital birth.

I'd recommend Heather a million times over for her great doula services. We still keep in touch, now almost 3 months after my labor and delivery. I met a fantastic doula and made a great friend in Heather.

Posted 2/15/2017

Marilyn De Leon

Heather was my doula for a second time for the birth of my son in Dec of 2014. I was planning my second vba2c, this time in a hospital with a OBGYN. She offered her support early on in my pregnancy and always kept in touch with me. She answered questions, gave suggestions, supported my decisions even if they went slightly off course.

During the labor and delivery, she met me at the hospital after having to leave date night with her husband, just to be with me because she knew I needed her. Heather has this aura about her, no matter how much pain I was in or how scared/worried I was, she knew exactly what to do/say and how to do/say it. The moment I saw her walk in to the triage lobby, I gave her a huge hug because her presence just meant the world to me.

Heather stayed by my side the entire time. Even when I took some time to rest, she was there. When I made the decision to get an epidural (which was against my original plan) she took a few minutes to help me make sure it was what I really wanted, but she never made me feel like it was a bad choice and she was still just as supportive as she would be regardless. She was with me the entire time I labored, even when everyone else left. If I needed something as simple as a sip of water, she was there, if I needed something as big as physical support to help get through the pain of contractions (despite the epidural), she was there.

I am blessed to have had her as a doula for both of my vba2c births. It is hard to find someone you can really "click" with, especially when it comes to pregnancy and birth support, but I don't believe I would have found that with anyone else. We love you and appreciate you so much, Heather! I mean that from the bottom of my heart.

Posted 2/15/2017

Melody Thompson

Heather is a patient and loving doula. She took the time to talk with me about my preferences a few weeks prior to birth, and she worked diligently to make sure my goals were achieved. She is experienced, knowledgeable, fun, and brings a great energy to the birth.

Posted 1/15/2017

Nancy Fry

I was able to have a hospital VBAC in part thanks to Heather. She was such an asset during labor and especially postpartum. Even my husband said that I probably would have ended up with amother c-section if it wasn't for Heather.

Posted 1/12/2017

Nancy Fry

I was able to have a hospital VBAC in part thanks to Heather. She was such an asset during labor and especially postpartum. Even my husband said that I probably would have ended up with amother c-section if it wasn't for Heather.

Posted 1/12/2017

Abigail Johnston

Heather answered every single question throughout the entire and was 100% in my corner through 24ish hours of labor. Even though I ended up with an emergency c-section, I've never felt more supported in my choices. My Doctor wasn't supportive of my requested VBAC, so having Heather to provide another perspective was invaluable.

Posted 1/11/2017

Meredith Harewood

I interviewed 5 different doulas in the local Orlando area when I was choosing for my first birth. While I WANTED the 'earth mother' aspect of a doula - in other words, the person who would be my advocate, my inspiration, my empowering force during my labor - my type A personality also NEEDED someone who was down to earth, supremely organized, to the point and focused.

All of the wonderful doulas I met fit the first requirements - beautiful women who would bring my baby into the world amongst positivity and love - woman supremely qualified and experienced.

However it was only in Heather that I met the PERFECT combination of spiritual earth mother AND practicality personified.I have never to this day met someone who is MORE 'together' - more organized, more present, more sure of herself, more accomplished - Heather has it all. From the moment I met her in person, I felt immediatley more relaxed, knowing that she would be with me EVERY step of the way - day or night - she was there for me, without question.

I recommend Heather without qualification. You could quite simply not find a better advocate for your pregnancy, for your birth, for your post partum recovery, for your breastfeeding/pumping challenges post birth.

It has been the best decision of my life to have Heather be a part of my first birth with a singleton, and subsequently with my twin birth to follow.

Posted 1/10/2017

Christina Justus

Heather was amazing. She was very knowledgeable and had lots of experience. We knew we made the right choice with her as our doula. I was worries were put to rest and she was always very responsivle to any questions I had before during and after delivery. All of the nurses complimented that I had one of the best doulas they had ever seen. I would highly recommend her to any of my friends looking to have a natural childbirth. She is very personable and listens to what you want and does not interject her opinion unless you ask for it. Overall amazing experience!

Posted 1/10/2017

Marilyn De Leon

Heather Dunn is honestly the most best doula ever! No doubt about it.

Heather was a tremendous help early on in my 3rd pregnancy when I was having trouble finding a provider who would agree to let me VBAC. She helped me get in touch with my midwife as well as the local ICAN chapter in my area. She offered to be my doula, despite some major financial difficulties I had during my pregnancy. During my pregnancy she was so incredibly helpful with any questions or concerns I had, she attended one of my midwife appointments with me so we could all go over my birth plans together, she gave me some information on cloth diapering so I could become more familiar with it, and as I was nearing my due date and going through the early stages of labor, she answered my texts messages in the middle of the night and early morning without a fuss. During my labor she was amazing, she provided a great amount of support that I needed both physically and emotionally during the labor process and the birth of my baby, which was a successful homebirth after 2 c-sections. There's no way I would have done it without her important role in my birth experience. When I felt like I couldn't do it anymore, she insisted that I could and I would...and I did! She followed up with me post-birth to make sure baby and I were adjusting well. Since then, she has continued to be a great source of information and incredibly supportive through baby and I's breastfeeding experience, which has had many ups and downs. I know I can turn to her anytime I have any questions or concerns, no matter how silly I think they might be. I have told her myself that some days I don't know what I would do without her, because she has just been so awesome!

I highly recommend her to anyone who is looking for that strong support and bond. She takes her job to the heart and I am so grateful to her!

Posted 7/14/2013

Teresa

Heather attended my son's birth in Feb 2011. I am so glad to have had her there. Heather gave willingly of her time and knowledge during our meetings before his birth, and was always available for any questions or ideas that I had leading up to the big day. During labor, she was a constant support. She knew when to step up and when to step back; she worked in perfect concert with my husband and with me. This wasn't my first baby, but it was my first natural birth. I felt lucky to have Heather there. She was a calm and reassuring voice when I needed it. I'm happy to recommend her to anyone seeking an enthusiastic and caring birth doula.

Posted 9/12/2011

DAMARIS G. CLAUDE

Best Doula Ever. Period. Heather was recommended to me by a good friend who knew her through the Central Florida Birth Network. I met with her and instantly knew she was exactly what we wanted. Because I was unable to have a homebirth as I wanted (I was pregnant with twins), Heather made every accomodation necessary for me to have the best birth I could at the Hospital. She impressed my OB so much, that he actually let her in the OR with my Husband, so she was able to assist with making sure my wishes were carried out immediately after the babies were born. (She also took some great pics!) Also, she successfully convinced the charge nurse and attending pediatrician to allow donor milk to be brought in for one of my babies who had aspirated a little fluid and needed some time in the nursery. She knew I was adamantly against formula and MADE IT HAPPEN. I was so lucky to have her, and will definitely be using her for my next baby!!

Posted 5/24/2011

Katherin Fanaian

Having Heather as my doula was wonderful. She was very attentive to my needs during pregnancy and even more so during labor; she was always present, in tune with my process of labor and helped me to stay focused. I wanted to experience an un-medicated, natural childbirth with my second daughter and I truly believe Heather made it easier for me to do so. Her constant presence during my contractions, the ride to the hospital and birth helped me feel empowered, cared for and supported. On a practical note, she was always on time and reliable. She is also very knowledgeable and willing to do whatever my husband and I requested. We are very appreciative of her service and highly recommend her!

Posted 4/22/2010

Susan Ehlers

Although I ended up having another c-section with my 2nd birth of another daughter Alexa, on Sept. 28, 2009, Heather Dunn was there for me emotionally and physically before, during and after my birth. I did experience 18 hours of labor and she stayed at the hospital until the wee hours of the morning. She was very encouraging and helped me cope with my contractions by talking me through them and allowing me to lean on her while my husband was behind me rubbing my lower back. I wouldn't have made it through as long without meds without either of their support and encouragement. Since she has had a medicated birth and natural, Heather is very supportive during my birth and didn't judge me for getting an epidural, although I waited as long as I could, but my labor was not progressing and I was running out of energy. I would highly recommend her as a doula, from the moment we met I felt very at ease and comfortable with her and that is very reassuring. Heather and I still talk and look forward to seeing her soon and keep in contact with her.